There are few locations that are as synonymous with Halloween as Salem, Massachusetts. This idyllic town is likely best known for the Salem Witch Trials, a series of events that occurred in the 1690s and led to more than 200 people being accused as witches.
Today, people come from all over to learn about this history and take part in Salem’s annual Halloween extravaganza. With ghost tours, haunted houses, and mysterious local legends, Salem’s busiest season remains the spooky season.
No matter what time of year you visit or how you decide to spend your days, there are tons of unique places to stay in Salem. From luxurious waterfront hotels to charming and intimate B&Bs, the hardest part about visiting this historic town is deciding which cool Salem hotel is right for you. So I’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in Salem to help you plan your perfect getaway!
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Where to Stay in Salem
Before you decide where to stay in Salem, you may want to determine what season you’ll be visiting in. If you’re planning a summer trip, you likely have more time to book as summer tends to be a sleepier time for this lovely town.
But if you’re planning to venture to Salem near Halloween, you’ll want to book very early. Because this destination is such a Halloween hotspot, nearby hotels tend to fill up fast.
For a summer visit, you’ll want to head closer to the beach. Each beach in Salem truly has its own unique personality. For those who want to take a dip in the water and go for a swim, Waikiki Beach is a perfect spot.
But if you’re more interested in sightseeing and observing wildlife, Dead Horse Beach may be more what you’re looking for. If you’re aiming for more of a boardwalk experience, Salem Willows is where you want to be.
If you’re visiting Salem in the fall, you’ll want to be closer to where all the spooky action is. With a downtown hotel, you’ll be within walking distance of the pop-up haunted houses around the Salem Common, the pedestrian mall of the cobbled Essex Street, and historical museums like the Peabody Essex Museum.
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites offers the best of both worlds by being right on the historic Pickering Wharf and within walking distance of the Salem Common, making it one of the best places to stay in Salem.Pickering Wharf is a vibrant harborside village and a perfect base for your vacation.
For those who want to visit Pickering Wharf’s fine dining locations or boutique shops, the Salem Waterfront Hotel allows you to reserve a ride on one of their Polaris GEM vehicles. So even if you’re visiting in chillier weather, this hotel ensures that you can comfortably enjoy your surroundings. But if you’d rather just rest in the hotel, you’ll love its heated indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center.
You don’t have to venture out to Pickering Wharf to experience great dining. Onsite is the Regatta Pub, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, both indoors and on a heated outdoor patio.
This hotel is the only one in town with its own marina, which can accommodate both sailboats and powerboats for summer and winter dockage. So if you plan to take a boat out on the harbor, you can rest assured that the staff here will take care of it for you.
The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites offers many choices when it comes to your room. Choose between rooms with full, queen, or king-size beds, or live the life of luxury in a junior or king suite. Each room or suite features a posh, spacious design, with a large workstation, a combination shower and bathtub, and marble vanities.
Hawthorne Hotel
Located just steps away from the Salem Common and within walking distance of the Salem Witch Museum, the Hawthorne Hotel has been serving guests since 1925 and is on the list of the Historic Hotels in America. If you’re looking for a spooky experience, you may enjoy knowing that many guests have shared stories of hauntings at this hotel. Still, the hotel assures its visitors that most guests sleep soundly here without any haunted happenings.
With so much history in this hotel, the Hawthorne Hotel has worked hard to maintain the beauty of its original design while upgrading rooms for more modern amenities. Each room features locally-crafted Gardner mattresses, Beyond Down pillows, blackout curtains, a writing desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, and views of historic downtown Salem.
For cozy comfort food, you’ll love dining in The Tavern, located onsite. Sip on a local draft beer or an award-winning co*cktail while you curl up next to a wood-burning fireplace.
For more upscale dining, head to Nathaniel’s Restaurant which offers a 1920s lounge vibe with cozy candles and live piano music at night. And in the mornings, you’ll find a delectable breakfast – you must try the locally famous Seafood Benedict!
If you’re traveling with a furry companion, you’ll love how animal-friendly this hotel is. Pets are welcome in the rooms on the sixth floor, and they even get their own doggie room service menu and other special amenities.
The Salem Inn
The Salem Inn actually encompasses three locations: the West House, the Curwen House, and the Peabody House. All three can be found in downtown Salem and are within walking distance of many historic sites, including the famous Jonathan Corwin House, also known as the Salem Witch House.
There are 40 guest rooms across the houses, each with unique designs tied to the area’s history. You can book the room you’d like, or you can tell the Salem Inn which amenities you want, and their staff will assign you to the room that best fits your needs. If you’re hoping for a paranormal experience, be sure to ask for the hotel’s famous Haunted Room #17!
If you’re traveling with family, you’ll be most comfortable in the Peabody House or the West House, while the Curwen House is for child-free travelers only. If you’re traveling with a pet, you can arrange a room in the West House.Note that you may have some stairs to climb depending on your room as only one of the properties has a luggage elevator.
Each house has its own charm, but all three have a sitting room with complimentary sherry and a working fireplace. All three also offer complimentary breakfasts and free Wi-Fi. Plus, every room features a European-style walk-in shower, while some rooms also offer a whirlpool tub, as well as a private fireplace.
The Merchant
While the outside of The Merchant looks much like the other historic hotels in Salem, the inside is filled with eclectic decor and pops of color that show off the vibrancy of this truly unique town. Located downtown, this is one of the most unique hotels in Salem as its past lives included a tavern and a rare bookshop.
The Merchant’s name pays homage to Joshua Ward, the post-Revolutionary War sea merchant who commissioned the federal-style building that now houses the hotel.
Despite the updated decor, guest rooms maintain the original woodwork and stunning detail work of its early life. But the rooms have truly been brought into the modern age as they feature heated bathroom floors, gas fireplaces, plush linens, free Wi-Fi, and LED TVs with Apple TV.
A daily breakfast of curated small plates and homemade baked goods will wake you up each morning. Start your day with a cup of coffee on the outdoor second-floor deck, and end your night in the cozy guest lounge. Before you head out and explore Salem, be sure to stop by the front desk to ask about The Merchant’s exclusive discounts at the local restaurants.
The Hotel Salem
The Hotel Salem’s location makes it one of the best boutique hotels in Salem. Located right on the bustling Essex Street pedestrian mall, this hotel was once a high-end clothing store space. Today, it’s a vibrant hotel featuring mid-century modern decor with unique vintage flourishes, particularly with funky details of the ‘50s and ‘60s.
This hotel may pay homage to yesteryear’s world of retail, but you’ll love how easy it is to enjoy a day of retail therapy in Salem’s one-of-a-kind boutiques of today when you stay here. Then, end your day with a co*cktail on Salem’s only rooftop bar, aptly named The Roof, or hang out in the comfortable guest lounge.
This hotel was designed with every traveler’s needs in mind. Stay in a loft-like suite, or simply relax in a micro-room if you don’t need a ton of space. No matter which kind of room you stay in, you’ll find super-soft linens and stylish decor. Rooms also feature free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs.
Each morning, head down to the onsite restaurant Counter for complimentary coffee and tea. Inspired by old-fashioned lunch counters, this restaurant features American fare, providing you with the comfort food of today in a classic setting.
The Coach House
Located just a short walk from Glendale Cove Beach and a quick drive or longer stroll to downtown’s historical sites like the House of the Seven Gables, this former mansion built by a sea captain in 1879 is now one of the most upscale and luxurious hotels in Salem.
Luxury is the name of the game for The Coach House. Each room strives to find the perfect balance between modernity and the history of the site, creating an art deco feel.
Every room comes with free Wi-Fi, a smart TV, 100% Sateen Linen Frette sheets and linens, and a personal concierge who will ensure your Salem stay is a memorable one. Some rooms also feature fireplace lighting that is original to the property, while every room includes central air conditioning and heating.
Northey Street House
Built in 1809 for a fine cabinetmaker, the Northey Street House is a bed and breakfast that’s focused on preserving the history of this lovely location. And while the antique furnishings and tastefully-decorated rooms are certainly wonderful draws, the area is what makes this B&B one of the best Salem hotels.
When you stay here, you’re centrally located to both the beach and downtown, placing you just a quick walk to either destination.But because this B&B isn’t in downtown, you’ll get a break from the hustle and bustle of Salem’s biggest attractions. Especially during the Halloween season, you’ll appreciate having a little peace and quiet away from the busy Salem Common.
This quaint hotel boasts three bed and breakfast rooms: the Appleton Room, the Captain’s Quarters, and the Woodbury Room. There’s also a suite located on the third floor called The Loft that has a private deck overlooking the garden.On Halloween night, it has the best windows for watching the closing fireworks.
Each room has a private bathroom, a sitting area, a flat-screen TV, and premium down and 100% cotton bedding. The Appleton Room’s bathroom, which was most recently renovated, also has heated bathroom floors, while the Captain’s Quarters is the only room with a bathtub in addition to the shower.
All rooms feature original marble fireplaces, which are non-working but stocked with candles and lanterns. You’ll also find quiet air conditioning and heating units in your room, too.
A continental breakfast is served each morning, which can be taken out to the seating areas in the front of the B&B, the alfresco sun deck with views of the North River, or the Japanese-inspired garden below.
Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com
The Cabot Lodge
Located in nearby Beverly, the Cabot Lodge is a quick walk to the beach and just a short drive to the historic sites of downtown Salem. The Cabot Lodge is one of the coolest hotels in Salem. You’re just steps away from the Beverly Train Station, which allows you access to all that the North Shore has to offer.
Inspired by the sleeping quarters of historic New England Clipper Ships, the rooms in this hotel are unique and vibrant. To maximize space and allow for more guests, some rooms contain a full or twin-size loft in addition to either queen or king-size beds below.
All rooms have luxurious amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a rain shower, locally crafted bath products, and a white noise machine, which is a thoughtful added touch.
The Hotel Marblehead
Right next door to Salem is Marblehead, a beautiful seaside town that puts you in a perfect place if you’d like to spend days at the beach and evenings enjoying the haunted happenings of Salem.
This charming boutique hotel has a coastal aesthetic, embracing the area’s rich nautical history. The Victorian home that now houses the hotel dates all the way back to 1871 and has been serving guests since the 1920s. In fact, Amelia Earhart and her mother were guests at the inn in 1923!
Each of these beachy rooms boasts flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, fine linens, non-allergenic pillows and comforters, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, and your own personalized concierge services. Some rooms also include a private patio or balcony.
In addition to complimentary small plates for breakfast, the hotel also offers free outdoor activities as well as bicycles available for you to use around town.
Harbor Light Inn
Another Marblehead find, this cool Salem hotel places you just steps from the beach and a quick drive away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Salem. Harbor Light Inn puts the focus on romance, making it one of the coolest places to stay in Salem if you’re honeymooning or just taking a special trip with your partner. You can even preorder a bottle of wine from a premium wine list or fresh flowers to be waiting in your room for your arrival.
The hotel boasts a romance tied to another time. Each of the hotel’s 20 rooms is filled with timeless touches like chandeliers, brasswork, hand carvings, antique furnishings, and one-of-a-kind paintings. With a unique style and layout in every room, each stay at the Harbor Light Inn will be memorable.
Some rooms offer fireplaces (with seasonal operation), jetted spa tubs, and garden or pool views. Each morning, you’ll wake up to a full breakfast, which you can enjoy in the dining room, in your room, or at a table in the garden.
Afternoon refreshments are also available in the dining room daily, with offerings changing with the seasons. For a co*cktail, brew, or premium glass of wine, along with small plate options, head to the onsite Tavern.
Cedar Hill Farm B&B
The Cedar Hill Farm B&B is one of the best places to stay in Salem if you’re looking for a quiet retreat, which you’ll especially appreciate if you’re visiting Salem during the busy spooky season. Being located in Essex, you’ll enjoy a tranquil stay while still being within driving distance of downtown Salem. This gorgeous B&B sits on 14 acres of serene fields on a family farm that’s over 300 years old.
This bed and breakfast has two suites: The Port Suite and the Starboard Suite. Both suites offer a spacious private bath with double sinks, a tiled shower and bathtub, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. With vintage farmhouse fixtures, this B&B is the perfect mix of rustic and modern.
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll love how family-friendly this hotel is. You can ask for a portable twin-size sleeping bed for children, and a Pack ‘n Play is available if you’re visiting with young ones.Kids will also love visiting with the friendly farm animals!
Each morning, you’ll wake up to breakfast in the common room before heading on your Salem adventure. If you’re visiting for the summer season, the hotel also offers coolers, beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas.
The Wylie Inn and Conference Center at Endicott College
Located just a town over from Salem in Beverly, The Wylie Inn and Conference Center at Endicott College is just a quick drive from downtown Salem. But with a retreat this scenic, you may not even want to leave the 10 acres this inn sits on! The inn is made up of three buildings: The Wylie Inn, Tupper Manor, and the Conference Center.
The 91 guest rooms have been recently updated, featuring new dressers, wardrobes, and desks in a rich cherry finish. Each room includes free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, a television, Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities, and a coffee unit. The hotel also boasts direct beach access.
Guests can also use the Post Center, which features racquetball courts, a rock-climbing wall, and state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
That completes our list of the 12 best Salem hotels! Did we miss any?
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Jacqueline Gualtieri Jacqueline is a writer and editor pursuing the freelance life to explore the world. Born and raised in New Jersey, she spent her college years in Boston before settling down with her partner and puppy in Monterey, California. When she’s not writing, you can often find her planning her next trip. Road trips are her favorite, whether it’s driving across the country or simply exploring a new city in her own backyard. She loves uncovering the history of every new place she goes. Jacqueline has a restless passion for learning and makes it a goal to pick up a new skill every year. She’s picked up embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching, but she’s hoping to master more languages to help her in her travels. She’s also a published author, with short stories and poetry appearing in several anthologies.
